What is one example of Odysseus, from The Odyssey, showing vice as a character flaw?

Odysseus, being the Greek hero that he is, has a lot of pride, or hubris. This excess of hubris is his worst vice and is shown in the scene with Polyphemus the cyclops in Book 9, The One-eyed Giant's Cave. First, when the men raid the cyclops' cave, they want to take the cheese and leave, yet Odysseus wanted to stay to "see what gifts he'd give" (218) based on the Greek value of hospitality....

Odysseus, being the Greek hero that he is, has a lot of pride, or hubris. This excess of hubris is his worst vice and is shown in the scene with Polyphemus the cyclops in Book 9, The One-eyed Giant's Cave. First, when the men raid the cyclops' cave, they want to take the cheese and leave, yet Odysseus wanted to stay to "see what gifts he'd give" (218) based on the Greek value of hospitality. The Greeks valued guests, because they believed that the guests could be gods in disguise and would treat them accordingly. Therefore Odysseus was expecting great things from the inhabitor of the cave. Little did he know that the only gift he would receive would be the death of many of his men.

Upon fleeing Polyphemus and his cave, Odysseus' hubris returns in the form of gloating. Once he is safely in his ship and sailing away, he shouts out to Polyphemus "Odysseus, raider of cities, he gouged out your eye, Laertes' son who makes his home in Ithaca!" (227) Odysseus is so specific with his epithets, that there can be no mistaking that it could have been a different Odysseus. Polyphemus, who also happened to be a son of Poseidon, called out to his father to avenge him, making this another reason for Poseidon to curse Odysseus and his men. This is all according the Robert Fagles translation.

What does Romeo mean when he says, "Oh, dear account! My life is my foe's debt"?

This quote takes place at the end of Act 1, scene 5. Romeo and Juliet have just fallen in love, essentially at first sight. Taken with each other, they haven't even exchanged names, choosing instead to flirt and share a kiss at the Capulet party. When their romantic moment is cut short by the Nurse, Juliet heeds her mother's call and leaves. Romeo takes this opportunity to find out more about the woman he has...

This quote takes place at the end of Act 1, scene 5. Romeo and Juliet have just fallen in love, essentially at first sight. Taken with each other, they haven't even exchanged names, choosing instead to flirt and share a kiss at the Capulet party. When their romantic moment is cut short by the Nurse, Juliet heeds her mother's call and leaves. Romeo takes this opportunity to find out more about the woman he has fallen in love with. When he asks after the identity of Juliet's mother, the Nurse tells him that she is the "lady of the house" and that any man lucky enough to marry Juliet "...shall have the chinks." (1.5.113-117)

At this news, Romeo's heart sinks. He says in an aside, "Is she a Capulet? O dear account! My life is my foe’s debt." (1.5.118) Realizing that she is a direct descendent of his own family's mortal enemy, he makes mention of the price of love in his use of the word "account". This indicates that his life is no longer his own, but rather, Juliet's. In other words, Romeo's enemy has control of his life from this point on.

What is the critical thinking on Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

The poem deals with many themes, and its attention is focused on the speaker's infatuation with nature and the natural world he wants to be a part of. When we read the poem for the first time, we realize it is quite straightforward on the surface. The speaker  presumably passes through the woods in a horse-drawn carriage and stops to admire the winter evening scenery. He seems captivated by the woods filling up with snow. 

...

The poem deals with many themes, and its attention is focused on the speaker's infatuation with nature and the natural world he wants to be a part of. When we read the poem for the first time, we realize it is quite straightforward on the surface. The speaker  presumably passes through the woods in a horse-drawn carriage and stops to admire the winter evening scenery. He seems captivated by the woods filling up with snow. 

Nevertheless, metaphorically speaking, the woods may represent a fantasy world, which the speaker yearns for. He desires to belong in it as opposed to the civilized world of promises and obligations which he hesitates to go back to. The world of wilderness both calms him and puzzles him, and the speaker wishes he could remain in it for a long time. Yet, he knows that he has not fulfilled all the obligations in his everyday world and that he must return to it because he has "promises to keep and miles to go before" he "sleeps." The verb "sleep" may symbolically refer to death, which may be embodied by this world of wilderness. The reason why this is plausible is because the speaker refers to the woods as "lovely, dark and deep," with the last two adjectives being reminiscent of death. Death is often depicted in terms of darkness, depth and mystery, so it is not impossible to think about the woods in terms of death.

Discuss how the poem reflects social hierarchy and patriarchal views.

Robert Browning's dramatic monologue "My Last Duchess" is set in Italy, probably in the 1500s. It exhibits a social hierarchy that was in place then and patriarchal views that were common not only then, but also in Victorian England, when Browning wrote the piece. Regarding social hierarchy, we see characters in the poem who fall into various strata. At the top, we have Duke Ferrara, the speaker in the poem. He is in the process...

Robert Browning's dramatic monologue "My Last Duchess" is set in Italy, probably in the 1500s. It exhibits a social hierarchy that was in place then and patriarchal views that were common not only then, but also in Victorian England, when Browning wrote the piece. Regarding social hierarchy, we see characters in the poem who fall into various strata. At the top, we have Duke Ferrara, the speaker in the poem. He is in the process of negotiating a marriage between himself and the daughter of an unnamed Count. In ranks of nobility, a Duke ranks highest, followed by Marquess, Count, Viscount, Baron, and Baronet. The Count would need to pay a generous dowry for the Duke to marry beneath himself in this way, thus Ferrara's reference to "the Count, you master's, known munificence." The other characters in the poem--the Count's servant to whom Ferrara is speaking, the last Duchess, and the Count's daughter--would be somewhat equal on the social scale. Although the women are from noble lines and seem to have privileges, in reality they are nothing more than property that can be bought and sold, which is happening here. The servant, then, although he is not nobility, actually has more rights of self-determination than the noblewomen. 

Patriarchal views are rife in the poem. As previously mentioned, the ability of a father to "sell" his daughter via marriage leaves no room for a woman's choice. Selling isn't even the right term, for the father must pay the future husband a dowry to take on the responsibility of his daughter for the rest of her life. The absolute control Ferrara wielded over his last Duchess is the sobering and appalling theme of this poem. He felt he should be able to control whom she spoke to, what she looked at, and even what made her blush. Because she did not yield to his control, he did away with her. Although it isn't explicitly stated and Browning, probably facetiously, later gave a different interpretation, most readers assume that Ferrara murdered his last Duchess. That she even knew she was displeasing her husband is unlikely. He tells the Count's servant that he felt he was above giving her lessons in proper behavior. She should have known the proper role of a wife--to look only to her husband's wants and needs and never to her own or others'. Reading between the lines, we get a picture of a young woman who was kind, expressive, and innocent. The attitude and actions of Ferrara and anyone else who knew of the situation and didn't oppose it represent the far extreme on the spectrum of patriarchal dominance. We get one glimmer that not everyone functions under that extreme view. The servant appears to want to make a mad dash away from the Duke once he realizes the fate of the last Duchess, but the Duke restrains him, saying, "Nay, we'll go together down, sir." Finally, the Duke points out a sculpture of Neptune taming a sea horse. This is symbolic of the unassailable patriarchal rule Ferrara embraces: His last Duchess (and any future Duchess) must be as submissive to and easily controlled by him as a seahorse would be to Neptune, the god of the sea.

In the play A Doll's House, there are good reasons to dislike Torvald, but is he deserving of some compassion and understanding?

Tovald Helmer infantilizes his wife Nora, but he is deserving of some compassion for a few reasons. First, he is a creation of his times, when men were supposed to be superior intellectually to women and instruct them in the right ways to behave. He takes this role to heart. For example, at the beginning of the play, he lectures Nora about loans and says:

"Still my little featherbrain! Supposing I borrowed a thousand crowns today,...

Tovald Helmer infantilizes his wife Nora, but he is deserving of some compassion for a few reasons. First, he is a creation of his times, when men were supposed to be superior intellectually to women and instruct them in the right ways to behave. He takes this role to heart. For example, at the beginning of the play, he lectures Nora about loans and says:

"Still my little featherbrain! Supposing I borrowed a thousand crowns today, and you made ducks and drakes of them during Christmas week, and then on New Year's Eve a tile blew off the roof and knocked my brains out."

His words are clearly demeaning and sexist, but they also betray a sense of fear and worry on Torvald's part. In the past, he fell ill, and Nora was forced to work to support the family. Torvald is in part motivated by fear and vulnerability that make him worthy of pity.

Torvald is also deserving of compassion because he is not without a kind of love towards his wife, even if it's patronizing. He says to Nora, "Just tell me something sensible you would like to have." Even when trying to buy a Christmas present for his wife, Torvald is both caring and controlling. He wants to buy her something, but something that is also "sensible" according to his judgment. He later calls her "my own, sweet little song-bird." He wants to treat her like a feeble bird, but there is no doubt that he wants to be protective and caring and that these emotions are benevolent, if misguided. 

In Oration on the Dignity of Man, what is humanity's "place" in the Universe?...

In his “Oration on the Dignity of Man,” 15th century Renaissance philosopher Pico Della Mirandola discusses humanity’s place in the universe. According to Mirandola, when God created the universe, he could find no singular place for humanity—the only earthly species which could understand the beauty of his universe—to inhabit. However, God was not restricted by humanity’s natural homelessness; in fact, he used the situation as an opportunity to prove his creativity yet again. Thus, he...

In his “Oration on the Dignity of Man,” 15th century Renaissance philosopher Pico Della Mirandola discusses humanity’s place in the universe. According to Mirandola, when God created the universe, he could find no singular place for humanity—the only earthly species which could understand the beauty of his universe—to inhabit. However, God was not restricted by humanity’s natural homelessness; in fact, he used the situation as an opportunity to prove his creativity yet again. Thus, he called Adam and told him the following:

Adam, we give you no fixed place to live, no form that is peculiar to you, nor any function that is yours alone. According to your desires and judgment, you will have and possess whatever place to live, whatever form, and whatever functions you yourself choose. All other things have a limited and fixed nature prescribed and bounded by our laws. You, with no limit or no bound, may choose for yourself the limits and bounds of your nature. We have placed you at the world's center so that you may survey everything else in the world. We have made you neither of heavenly nor of earthly stuff, neither mortal nor immortal, so that with free choice and dignity, you may fashion yourself into whatever form you choose. To you is granted the power of degrading yourself into the lower forms of life, the beasts, and to you is granted the power, contained in your intellect and judgment, to be reborn into the higher forms, the divine.

In other words, unlike the material beasts and the spiritual angels, humans would have the free choice to determine their own natures. They could—through intellect—elevate themselves to spiritual beings, or they could—by disregarding the spiritual and focusing on the material world—degrade their natures such that they become little more than animals.

Who was the first black president of Ghana ?

The first black president (and indeed the first president of any race) of Ghana was Kwame Nkrumah.  He became the prime minister of Ghana when that country gained its independence from Great Britain in 1957.  At that point, the Queen of England was still the official head of state for Ghana.  In 1960, Nkrumah succeeded in getting Ghanaians to ratify a new constitution, making Ghana a republic.  Under the new constitution, there was a president...

The first black president (and indeed the first president of any race) of Ghana was Kwame Nkrumah.  He became the prime minister of Ghana when that country gained its independence from Great Britain in 1957.  At that point, the Queen of England was still the official head of state for Ghana.  In 1960, Nkrumah succeeded in getting Ghanaians to ratify a new constitution, making Ghana a republic.  Under the new constitution, there was a president who was both head of state and head of government.  Nkrumah became that president, the first president of Ghana.

Before independence, the country of Ghana had not existed.  The area that is now Ghana had been a British colony called the Gold Coast since 1867.  Before the Europeans came, that general area had been ruled by a variety of native kingdoms.  There had been no state that controlled all of the area that is now Ghana.  The Gold Coast was created by the British.  This means that before independence in 1957, there had never been a country called Ghana.

Nkrumah remained as president of Ghana until he was overthrown in 1966.

How do you come up with a good thesis statement for a sermon topic?

Your thesis statement for any written or spoken piece should really summarize the themes or purpose of your work. For a sermon, I would also place emphasis on how the sermon relates to God, the Bible, or other scripture. Your thesis statement should be able to stand alone and convey your message clearly, but also rely on the rest of the sermon to back it up.

Here are some things to consider:

What is the...

Your thesis statement for any written or spoken piece should really summarize the themes or purpose of your work. For a sermon, I would also place emphasis on how the sermon relates to God, the Bible, or other scripture. Your thesis statement should be able to stand alone and convey your message clearly, but also rely on the rest of the sermon to back it up.

Here are some things to consider:

What is the message of your sermon? Are you addressing a specific problem, or just looking to remind your community?

How does your message relate to God, the Bible, or other scripture?

Have you already come up with any really powerful phrases in your spoken or written sermon? These can help you narrow down your thesis statement.

Remember that theinterpretation of your sermon may be different for each person who hears it because of personal things going on in our lives and our differing levels of relationship with God.

I would suggest making a list of the most important points of your sermon, or writing a short summary. Use these to help you narrow down into one or two sentences the overarching lesson to be learned from the sermon. Try not to include passages or quotes in your thesis statement, as it should be your own voice conveying the message. Put it in the simplest terms possible, and then later back up your thesis statement with the rest of your sermon. 

In The Scarlet Letter Hester tells Chillingworth, "It lies not in the pleasure of the magistrates to take off this badge. Were I worthy to be quit...

In chapter XIV of The Scarlet Letter, titled "Hester and the Physician", the two talk quite openly about the current situation in which they are both involved. Chillingworth goes as far as telling Hester that he has heard from a reliable source that the magistrates are considering the removal of the letter from Hester's chest. He even tells Hester that he spoke on her behalf asking them to please remove it. This implies that she has found some form of redemption among the elders of the village, more than likely due to all the charitable work and kind disposition that she has offered everyone.

However, Hester does not budge. She knows that the letter has served a purpose in her life. Unfortunately for Hester, she believes that what she did is a burden that she must carry forever. As such, she also understands that the letter has allowed her to see life for what it really is; it has helped her grow up mentally and, perhaps even, spiritually. The letter, which has been made to shame her publically and to make her feel lesser, has actually exalted her internally to a position where she feels in complete control of her life. It is a strange thing, but it is exactly what it all has amounted to. For this reason, she tells Chillingworth,

It lies not in the pleasure of the magistrates to take off this badge.

In other words, she is saying that the opinion of the elders matters very little to her, especially when it comes to the badge. They are not the ones wearing it, and they did not go to the scaffold to receive it. They are not the ones getting the public scorn and maleficence from the villagers. They have no clue what she has gone through, hence, who are they to decide how she is supposed to wear (or not wear) this specific token?

The badge has served a purpose, indeed. However, this purpose is unique to Hester. She has abided by what the badge has prescribed for her, whether it is good or bad. Hester has learned and grown with the badge. She is, ultimately, the one who should decide what to do with it.

Were I worthy to be quit of it, it would fall away of its own nature, or be transformed into something that should speak a different purport

She is stating here that if they decide to make an event of the removal of the badge, then the whole symbolism that the badge has for Hester will take a completely different significance.

The elders will likely make a "show" of the removal of the badge, and the scarlet letter will be a political or manipulative symbol of their control. Hester does not see the letter that way. To her, this has been the best lesson she has learned in life. Therefore, she does not want this to be used in a way that will take away all that it has done for her.

The irony is precisely that. Like Hawthorne says later on, "the scarlet letter had not done its office". This means that it did not shame Hester, nor made her into a public display of embarrassment. If anything, despite of its negative connotation, the scarlet letter has been good for Hester. She actually is defending her right to wear it, and the significance that it carries.

What are Voltaire's main ideas on the role of the government?

Voltaire was born Francois-Marie Arouet in Paris in 1691 and rose to become one of the most prominent and important philosophers of his time. Of all the subjects he addressed, Voltaire was an outspoken critic of the French government. He disliked how the government was heavily influenced by the aristocracy and called for the prohibition of many of its practices, including slavery and colonialism. 

In Voltaire's mind, the ideal government was ruled by an enlightened monarch...

Voltaire was born Francois-Marie Arouet in Paris in 1691 and rose to become one of the most prominent and important philosophers of his time. Of all the subjects he addressed, Voltaire was an outspoken critic of the French government. He disliked how the government was heavily influenced by the aristocracy and called for the prohibition of many of its practices, including slavery and colonialism. 

In Voltaire's mind, the ideal government was ruled by an enlightened monarch who was not easily swayed by the ideas of his aristocracy: in his words, he would rather "obey one lion than 200 rats." Voltaire believed that the monarch should use his influence and position to improve the power and wealth of France. He also believed that the government should completely reform its tax system and begin taxing the clergy (who were exempt at this time) as this would act as a counterbalance between the Church and the state. 

Voltaire also put forward the idea that the role of government was to guarantee the equal protection of all citizens, regardless of rank or income, before the law. Only when the government completely protected the rights of its citizens could people be completely free and able to experience the essence of being human. 

Describe the narrator's attitude at the beginning of "The Scarlet Ibis."

The narrator, Brother, has returned to his childhood home to reminisce and take responsibility for Doodle’s death.  His attitude is reflective and sentimental as he recounts the circumstances surrounding how Doodle died.  Brother is older now and has had time to understand and come to a conclusion as to how his pride affected his relationship with Doodle.  Brother wanted a “normal” brother, and Doodle was physically handicapped.  Brother sets out to make Doodle normal by...

The narrator, Brother, has returned to his childhood home to reminisce and take responsibility for Doodle’s death.  His attitude is reflective and sentimental as he recounts the circumstances surrounding how Doodle died.  Brother is older now and has had time to understand and come to a conclusion as to how his pride affected his relationship with Doodle.  Brother wanted a “normal” brother, and Doodle was physically handicapped.  Brother sets out to make Doodle normal by pushing him to walk, run, and play with him like an ordinary person.  He was embarrassed by Doodle and could not accept Doodle for who he really was.  The unrealistic expectations Brother had for Doodle eventually led to Doodle’s death. 

Brother feels guilty for what happened, and as his recollections travel to the time of the story, he slowly starts to reconcile his guilt over Doodle’s death.  He understands that it was his pride that led to the tragic outcome of the story.

Why do you think it was important to Mr. Ewell to get revenge on Atticus? What does this tell us about him as a person?

Bob Ewell seeks revenge on Atticus because, in Ewell's opinion, Atticus humiliated him on the witness stand. In exposing the truth behind the Tom Robinson case, Atticus showed Tom did not beat or try to rape Mayella; instead, Atticus suggested that Ewell, Mayella's own father, beat and abused his daughter. This revelation came in a very public setting, so Ewell believes Atticus ruined his reputation in the eyes of Maycomb. Since Ewell is so concerned...

Bob Ewell seeks revenge on Atticus because, in Ewell's opinion, Atticus humiliated him on the witness stand. In exposing the truth behind the Tom Robinson case, Atticus showed Tom did not beat or try to rape Mayella; instead, Atticus suggested that Ewell, Mayella's own father, beat and abused his daughter. This revelation came in a very public setting, so Ewell believes Atticus ruined his reputation in the eyes of Maycomb. Since Ewell is so concerned with his own reputation, we can assume he is an accordingly shallow individual who cares only for surface appearances.

Ironically, Ewell already had a lousy reputation. Known as a shiftless, irresponsible drunkard who did little to care for his large and impoverished family, Ewell didn't have a good reputation before the trial. As such, it's ironic that he should be so concerned with seeking revenge on Atticus for damaging his reputation, as he never had much social esteem in the first place.

How is Simon's death ironic in the novel Lord of the Flies?

In the novel Lord of the Flies, Simon's death is ironic because he was attempting to tell the other boys that the beast did not exist, but the boys mistook him for the beast. This is a classic example of dramatic irony because the audience is aware of Simon's knowledge, while the characters are not. Simon had listened to the Lord of the Flies explain to him that the beast was inside of each child,...

In the novel Lord of the Flies, Simon's death is ironic because he was attempting to tell the other boys that the beast did not exist, but the boys mistook him for the beast. This is a classic example of dramatic irony because the audience is aware of Simon's knowledge, while the characters are not. Simon had listened to the Lord of the Flies explain to him that the beast was inside of each child, and witnessed the dead paratrooper on the top of the mountain. Armed with this information, he exits the forest and attempts to tell the boys the truth about the beast. The boys, who are engaged in their tribal hunting dance, spot Simon walking out of the forest and mistake him for the beast. They attack Simon and begin stabbing, biting, clawing, and beating him like savages. While Simon is being attacked, he attempts to tell them there is a body on the hill. The boys pay no attention to his comments and beat him to death. The very person who understands the identity of the beast, is mistaken for it, which is ironic.

Before electrification, what did people do for free time and entertainment?

While people did not always have electricity, they did have light, in the form of candles and fireplaces, and they did not just sit glumly in the dark! People gathered together to sing, to play musical instruments, to tell or read stories, or to play cards, or to dance.  Women would gather together to do sewing or needlepoint, or to shuck corn, entertaining each other while they got work done.  People also played chess, checkers,...

While people did not always have electricity, they did have light, in the form of candles and fireplaces, and they did not just sit glumly in the dark! People gathered together to sing, to play musical instruments, to tell or read stories, or to play cards, or to dance.  Women would gather together to do sewing or needlepoint, or to shuck corn, entertaining each other while they got work done.  People also played chess, checkers, backgammon and a few other board games, although many board games did not become popular until after most people had electricity. Reading was a solitary pleasure, too, as was playing a musical instrument.  Children played with jacks and jump ropes, and they played hopscotch, a long time before there was electricity.  In fact, there is a famous painting called "Games," by Breugel, painted in 1560, which will give you some idea how many games children played without the benefit of computers and game systems!  I have included a link to the painting, and it is so interesting to see how people entertained themselves that long ago. 

`a = 8, b = 12, c = 17` Use Heron's Area Formula to find the area of the triangle.

Given: `a=8, b=12, c=17`

Heron's Area Formula `A=sqrt[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)]`

where `s=[a+b+c]/2`

`s=[8+12+17]/2=37/2=18.5`

`A=sqrt[18.5(18.5-8)(18.5-12)(18.5-17)]`

`A=sqrt[18.5(10.5)(6.5)(1.5)]`

`A=sqrt(1893.94)=43.52`

The area is 43.52 square units.

Given: `a=8, b=12, c=17`

Heron's Area Formula `A=sqrt[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)]`

where `s=[a+b+c]/2`

`s=[8+12+17]/2=37/2=18.5`

`A=sqrt[18.5(18.5-8)(18.5-12)(18.5-17)]`

`A=sqrt[18.5(10.5)(6.5)(1.5)]`

`A=sqrt(1893.94)=43.52`

The area is 43.52 square units.

`(2,0), (0,2), (-1,1)` Use calculus to find the area of the triangle with the given vertices.

Given the coordinates (2, 0), (0, 2), and (-1, 1).

Let A=(2, 0), B(0, 2), and C(-1, 1).

Find the equation of line AB using A(2, 0) and B(0, 2).

The slope of line AB is `(2-0)/(0-2)=-1`

The equation of line AB is `y=-1x+2`

Find the equation of line BC using B(0, 2) and C(-1 1).

The slope of line BC is `(1-2)/(-1-0)=(-1)/-1=1`

The equation of line BC is `y=1x+2`

Find the equation of line AC using A(2,...

Given the coordinates (2, 0), (0, 2), and (-1, 1).

Let A=(2, 0), B(0, 2), and C(-1, 1).

Find the equation of line AB using A(2, 0) and B(0, 2).

The slope of line AB is `(2-0)/(0-2)=-1`

The equation of line AB is `y=-1x+2`

Find the equation of line BC using B(0, 2) and C(-1 1).

The slope of line BC is `(1-2)/(-1-0)=(-1)/-1=1`

The equation of line BC is `y=1x+2`

Find the equation of line AC using A(2, 0) and C(-1, 1).

The slope of line AC is `(1-0)/(-1-2)=-1/3`

The equation of line AC is `y-0=(-1/3)(x-2)=>y=-1/3x+2/3`

Set up the intervals for integration.

`int_-1^0(x+2)-(-1/3x+2/3)dx+int_0^2(-x+2)-(-1/3x+2/3)dx`  

`=int_-1^0(4/3x+4/3)dx+int_0^2(-2/3x+4/3)dx`

`=[4/3*x^2/2+4/3x]` from x=-1 to x=0 + `[-2/3*x^2/2+4/3x]`  from x=0 to x=2

`=[2/3x^2+4/3x]`  from x=-1 to x=0 + `[-1/3x^2+4/3x]`  from x=0 to x=2

`=[0-(2/3-4/3)]+[(-4/3+8/3)-0]`

`=(-2/3+4/3)+(-4/3+8/3)`

`=2/3+4/3`

`=6/3`

`=2`

The area of the triangle with vertices (2, 0), (0, 2), and (-1, 1) is 2 units squared.

Why is Lord of the Flies valuable to read?

William Golding wrote Lord of the Flies as a way to demonstrate the basic savagery that he felt existed in the heart of any man, no matter how civilized. He felt that previous portrayals of the difference between civilized people and the natives of various places, including the islands, were unfair and inaccurate. He specifically mentioned books like The Coral Island as the author had drawn such a clear distinction between the British boys and...

William Golding wrote Lord of the Flies as a way to demonstrate the basic savagery that he felt existed in the heart of any man, no matter how civilized. He felt that previous portrayals of the difference between civilized people and the natives of various places, including the islands, were unfair and inaccurate. He specifically mentioned books like The Coral Island as the author had drawn such a clear distinction between the British boys and the natives.

By reading the book, a reader understands this vision that Golding had. He suggests that once the trappings of civilization and the rule of law have gone, even well-mannered and "civilized" boys will quickly revert to their more natural, more savage state. His portrayal is a dark one and, if he is correct, one that suggests there is a beast inside of every man.

In a "Christmas Memory" by Truman Capote, why does Buddy´s cousin spend the evening in tears?

When the story begins, readers are introduced to Buddy and his much older cousin.  It is getting into late November, and the weather is starting to turn cold.  Buddy's cousin declares that it is finally time for their annual tradition of baking fruitcakes.  

"Oh my," she exclaims, her breath smoking the windowpane, "it's fruitcake weather!"

The next few pages of the story wonderfully tell readers how the two characters get together all of the ingredients for fruitcakes.  The most important ingredient is the whiskey, and the two characters scrounge up as much spare change as they can in order to purchase the whiskey.   

"If you please, Mr. Haha, we'd like a quart of your finest whiskey."

His eyes tilt more. Would you believe it? Haha is smiling! Laughing, too. "Which one of you is a drinkin' man?"

"It's for making fruitcakes, Mr. Haha. Cooking."

This sobers him. He frowns. "That's no way to waste good whiskey." Nevertheless, he retreats into the shadowed cafe and seconds later appears carrying a bottle of daisy-yellow unlabeled liquor. He demonstrates its sparkle in the sunlight and says: "Two dollars."

With whiskey in hand, Buddy and his cousin move on to baking the fruitcakes.  They bake 31 cakes and deliver them to friends.  

Who are they for?

Friends. Not necessarily neighbor friends: indeed, the larger share is intended for persons we've met maybe once, perhaps not at all. People who've struck our fancy.

The following day, Buddy and his cousin are in the mood to celebrate their baking and giving spirit.  They decide to finish off the last "two inches of whiskey left in Haha's bottle."  The two characters (and the dog) finish off the whiskey and have a grand time doing it. The event is filled with whiskey aided giggling, singing, and dancing.  

Unfortunately, their evening of fun is interrupted by two relatives who are shocked and appalled at their behavior.  They especially blame Buddy's cousin because she's old enough to know better than to give whiskey to a 7 year old. 

Enter: two relatives. Very angry. Potent with eyes that scold, tongues that scald. Listen to what they have to say, the words tumbling together into a wrathful tune: "A child of seven! whiskey on his breath! are you out of your mind? feeding a child of seven! must be loony! road to ruination! remember Cousin Kate? Uncle Charlie? Uncle Charlie's brother-in-law? shame! scandal! humiliation! kneel, pray, beg the Lord!"

Buddy's cousin is sufficiently chastised, and she goes running off to her room where she proceeds to weep into her pillow. She knows that she has done wrong, and she knows that she should know better.  Buddy comforts her and tells her that she is more "fun than anybody."  He is successful in comforting her, and she gets a good night's rest in order to go look for a perfect Christmas tree. 

What are the similarities and differences between Brutus and Caesar?

In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Marcus Brutus and Julius Caesar probably have more differences than similarities. While both men are respected leaders, wield political clout, and enjoy the admiration of the common plebeians, their similarities end there. Caesar is portrayed as an arrogantly ambitious man whose pride and desire for power lead to his demise. Brutus, on the other hand, is an idealistic character who cares more for preserving the Senate and political freedom than...

In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Marcus Brutus and Julius Caesar probably have more differences than similarities. While both men are respected leaders, wield political clout, and enjoy the admiration of the common plebeians, their similarities end there. Caesar is portrayed as an arrogantly ambitious man whose pride and desire for power lead to his demise. Brutus, on the other hand, is an idealistic character who cares more for preserving the Senate and political freedom than he does for enhancing his own power or status. Thus, while some similarities between the two men exist, its safe to say that they have more differences. More specifically, it's possible to assume that, overall, Brutus is a more selfless character, as Caesar is generally obsessed with his own selfish attempt to rule Rome.   

If you're writing an essay comparing the two figures, a good starting place (or "hook," if you're talking about an introductory attention getter) would be simple: just begin by generally comparing the two men, highlighting both their similarities and their differences, and then finish by introducing your thesis statement regarding this comparison. Both Brutus and Caesar are fascinating in their own right, so there's plenty of available content for anyone writing a comparative essay about the two characters. 

Why did Jefferson's critics attack him on the Louisiana Purchase?

The short answer to this is that Jefferson's critics attacked him out of political opportunism. But according to Jefferson's own political philosophy, one which he had espoused since he was Secretary of State, they had a fair point. Jefferson's critics, most of whom were Federalists, argued that the Constitution did not explicitly permit Congress to purchase land. To defend the Purchase was to argue for a loose interpretation of the Constitution, an approach that Jefferson...

The short answer to this is that Jefferson's critics attacked him out of political opportunism. But according to Jefferson's own political philosophy, one which he had espoused since he was Secretary of State, they had a fair point. Jefferson's critics, most of whom were Federalists, argued that the Constitution did not explicitly permit Congress to purchase land. To defend the Purchase was to argue for a loose interpretation of the Constitution, an approach that Jefferson had argued against on a number of issues in his career, most notably the chartering of the Bank of the United States. Indeed, Jefferson's so-called "strict constructionism" was the cornerstone of the Republican faction for which he was the spokesperson. The Federalists, whose political base was in the eastern port cities, also knew that the opening of western territories would speed up westward expansion, a process which would doom their party. Modern historians usually interpret Jefferson's decision as an example of the ways Presidents are often forced to abandon strict adherence to ideological principles when confronted with the realities of running the country.

How did Benjamin Franklin change the United States of America?

Benjamin Franklin changed the United States of America in more than one way. He was an extremely influential inventor, author and politician. Many argue that he is the most important Founding Father and that without him, the United States might never have been born, remaining under British rule. Having initially gained international fame as an extremely talented author and inventor, he was well-connected with the politicians of the day. Over the course of a decade...

Benjamin Franklin changed the United States of America in more than one way. He was an extremely influential inventor, author and politician. Many argue that he is the most important Founding Father and that without him, the United States might never have been born, remaining under British rule. Having initially gained international fame as an extremely talented author and inventor, he was well-connected with the politicians of the day. Over the course of a decade leading up to the time of the American Revolution, he alternated living in London, France and the United States. Slowly he left behind his life of inventing and writing for more public positions, eventually becoming part of the growing group of colonists who would become the first governing body of the United States. He was a part of the Continental Congress and helped write the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the course of the Revolution, Franklin preserved ties with Britain and France, acting as an intermediary, eventually helping to maintain ties that led to support of the French in the fight against Britain. He was one of the delegates who helped write the United States Constitution. Clearly, the United States was influenced by Benjamin Franklin's works as an inventor, author and politician in ways that significantly changed it.

Why does Mr. Collins decide he wants to marry one of the Bennet daughters in Pride and Prejudice?

William Collins is a clergyman and cousin to Mr. Bennet. He has a sense of what is proper and acceptable and also seems to exude an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Because his social skills are lacking, he seems to think that the first young lady he meets that he finds agreeable should agree to be his wife. He sets his sights on Elizabeth because she is genteel, attractive and intelligent, and because of his connection...

William Collins is a clergyman and cousin to Mr. Bennet. He has a sense of what is proper and acceptable and also seems to exude an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Because his social skills are lacking, he seems to think that the first young lady he meets that he finds agreeable should agree to be his wife. He sets his sights on Elizabeth because she is genteel, attractive and intelligent, and because of his connection to the family he feels entitled to expect her acceptance. Because Elizabeth is polite to him, he mistakes this for reciprocity of his affections, and even insists that she refuses his proposal out of a sense of propriety, because she secretly does wish to marry him. Oddly enough, this is similar to the behavior Elizabeth displays towards Mr. Darcy when she first rejects his proposal. Mr. Collins' lack of sensitivity and social boorishness make him a completely inappropriate match for Elizabeth, but on some level he is a more caricatured version of Darcy, who is also somewhat awkward socially and not as comfortable with the social niceties that are expected of gentlemen in Austen's milieu.

How could A Doll's House be considered a modern drama?

Ibsen's A Doll's House was a landmark play of Social Realism. 

Prior to the opening of this drama, audiences viewed romantic vignettes that were offered as escapes, plays in which exciting romances and adventures took place. However, Ibsen greatly altered this expectation by introducing Social Realism into the Victorian theater. For, he focused upon the characters' roles in society, placing a searchlight upon such issues as personal independence and actions driven by conscience rather than...

Ibsen's A Doll's House was a landmark play of Social Realism. 

Prior to the opening of this drama, audiences viewed romantic vignettes that were offered as escapes, plays in which exciting romances and adventures took place. However, Ibsen greatly altered this expectation by introducing Social Realism into the Victorian theater. For, he focused upon the characters' roles in society, placing a searchlight upon such issues as personal independence and actions driven by conscience rather than social mores.

In A Doll's House, Ibsen examines the restrictions upon wives and husbands both. While Victorian women are allowed little domestic or financial freedom as they are subservient to their husbands; men, too, are trapped into roles where respect-earning behavior is demanded. But, the paradox of this society which demands such stringent adherence to roles is that there exists a false morality. For example, in Ibsen's play, Nora has stepped outside the boundaries of the role of Victorian wife by forging her father's signature on a loan so that her husband's health could be saved in Italy; similarly, because Torvald accepts his role as moral authority, he cannot forgive Nora her act of love; instead, he sees her forgery as a crime.

Nora and Torvald stand in contrast to Kristine and Krogstad, who both were made to act in certain ways in order to care for their families, also; nevertheless, they accept each other in their renewal of their relationship. But, Torvald cannot fully forgive Nora, and she can no longer be his doll. Likewise, Nora cannot forgive Torvald for his condemnation of her act of obtaining a loan falsely so that he would be saved from death by going to Italy and its warm climate. Therefore, Nora asserts herself and leaves Torvald and her children.

Henrik Isben examines what one interpretation holds as

...the irrepressible conflict of two different personalities which have founded themselves on two radically different estimates of reality. 

Certainly, A Doll's House is a modern play as it employs drama as a forum for social issues.

Describe the aims of the Fourteen Points.

The general aim of Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points was to create a more just world order after WWI, an order that would make it less likely for further wars to take place.  The new order that he envisioned would have had free trade, respect for international law, open diplomacy, and self-determination for all people.  Let us see how these goals were laid out in each of the 14 Points.

1. Prevents countries from entering into secret...

The general aim of Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points was to create a more just world order after WWI, an order that would make it less likely for further wars to take place.  The new order that he envisioned would have had free trade, respect for international law, open diplomacy, and self-determination for all people.  Let us see how these goals were laid out in each of the 14 Points.

1. Prevents countries from entering into secret diplomatic deals.


2. Provides for absolute freedom of the seas in war and peace time.


3. Calls for free trade.


4. Calls for reductions in countries’ arsenal of weaponry.


5. Says that colonies have to be divided up fairly with some attention paid to what the colonized people want.


6. Calls for withdrawal of other countries’ armies from Russia.


7. Calls for withdrawal from Belgium and restoration of its sovereignty.


8. Foreign armies must leave France and the question of Alsace-Lorraine be settled.


9. Italy’s borders should be redrawn to coincide with where Italian people live.


10. Various nationalities of Austria-Hungary should be able to have their own countries.


11. Says the Balkan region has to be split up between countries “along historically established lines of allegiance and nationality.”


12. The non-Turkish peoples of the Ottoman Empire should have their own countries.


13. An independent Polish state should be created and protected.


14. An organization should be created for all countries to join as a way to guarantee world peace (this became the League of Nations).

Why would the Victorians have found "The Tell-Tale Heart" particularly disturbing?

The Victorians were particularly concerned with duplicity and deception and a person's ability to be secretly sinful or suffering from "madness" while tricking the world into believing that they were morally upright and/or mentally sane.  The thought that one could be fooled by such a person and exploited, injured, or otherwise harmed, was both a frightening and titillating prospect.  Therefore, they enjoyed fiction that focused on characters who enacted this kind of fraudulent behavior because...

The Victorians were particularly concerned with duplicity and deception and a person's ability to be secretly sinful or suffering from "madness" while tricking the world into believing that they were morally upright and/or mentally sane.  The thought that one could be fooled by such a person and exploited, injured, or otherwise harmed, was both a frightening and titillating prospect.  Therefore, they enjoyed fiction that focused on characters who enacted this kind of fraudulent behavior because they found such persons so disturbing.

The narrator of "The Tell-Tale Heart" most definitely qualifies as duplicitous.  He says that he "was never kinder to the old man than during the whole week before [he] killed him."  By day, the narrator appears to be friendly and loving to the old man (though his relationship to the old man is never clarified: the old man could be his father, a roommate, etc.), but, each night, he spends spends hours practicing the movements he will use to kill the old man when the conditions are just right.

Further, after he's committed the murder, he is such a powerful dissembler that he manages to fool the police officers who came to investigate the scream his neighbors reported hearing.  The narrator says, "The officers were satisfied.  My manner had convinced them."  It isn't until his own paranoia and delusion drive him to confess that they have any sense that he is guilty.

Such a powerful deceiver, one capable of inflicting such damage without scruple, one who actually believes that his actions are justified, would have been both particularly interesting and particularly frightening to Victorian readers.

Why did William Shakespeare present Lady Macbeth as a powerful woman in act 1 scene 5?

I think Shakespeare presented Lady Macbeth as a powerful woman right from the start, because it makes the most sense.  Macbeth is a brave warrior according to the soldier's testimony to Duncan earlier.  

For brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name--Disdaining fortune, with his brandish'd steel,Which smoked with bloody execution,Like valour's minion carved out his passageTill he faced the slave;Which ne'er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him,Till he...

I think Shakespeare presented Lady Macbeth as a powerful woman right from the start, because it makes the most sense.  Macbeth is a brave warrior according to the soldier's testimony to Duncan earlier.  

For brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name--
Disdaining fortune, with his brandish'd steel,
Which smoked with bloody execution,
Like valour's minion carved out his passage
Till he faced the slave;
Which ne'er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him,
Till he unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps,
And fix'd his head upon our battlements.

Additionally, Macbeth is powerful politically as well.  He's not some lowly grunt on the battlefield.  He is a thane, which makes him a member of a ruling class.  Not as powerful as a king, but definitely more powerful than some grunt or servant.  Lady Macbeth, as Macbeth's wife, is used to being the wife of a powerful man and thane.  She is used to having servants.  She is used to power and used to being obeyed.  She is used to getting her way.  To me, it makes sense that she is presented as powerful, because she is powerful.  It also makes sense that she would be very tempted to continue gaining more power.  By introducing her as powerful, Shakespeare makes Lady Macbeth into something that I would already expect, and then within a few scenes, Shakespeare takes her to the next level of power hungry.  

What was the heart of Rome?

The Heart of Rome was the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum.  According to legend, Rome was founded on the Palatine Hill by Romulus after he killed his brother Remus.  Polytheistic Rome believed heavily in the supernatural and origin stories, so this was important to ancient Romans and is still a key tourist stop today.  The Roman Forum is the heart of the Roman Republic which marked the glory days of Rome.  This...

The Heart of Rome was the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum.  According to legend, Rome was founded on the Palatine Hill by Romulus after he killed his brother Remus.  Polytheistic Rome believed heavily in the supernatural and origin stories, so this was important to ancient Romans and is still a key tourist stop today.  The Roman Forum is the heart of the Roman Republic which marked the glory days of Rome.  This is where the two houses met of the Roman Senate and Western republics today say that they originated here as well.  The Colosseum is where the great gladiatorial games took place.  Gladiators were the professional athletes of their day and were treated like rock stars in Roman society.  Of course, the Colosseum in later years saw the executions of political prisoners and Christians for the crowd's entertainment.  Wild beasts from all over the empire were killed here and the lower bowl was even flooded for mock naval battles.  Today the Colosseum is one of the most famous parts of a Roman tour.  

Why was the party in Chapter Six different for Nick?

One of the reasons this party is different from the others is that Tom is there. Nick notes, "Perhaps his presence gave the evening its peculiar quality of oppressiveness—it stands out in my memory from Gatsby’s other parties that summer." In general, this is similar to other parties at Gatsby's house. There are celebrities, socialites, and most behaving like drunken freeloaders. Tom's presence is the new variable. 

But this party also occurs after Gatsby and...

One of the reasons this party is different from the others is that Tom is there. Nick notes, "Perhaps his presence gave the evening its peculiar quality of oppressiveness—it stands out in my memory from Gatsby’s other parties that summer." In general, this is similar to other parties at Gatsby's house. There are celebrities, socialites, and most behaving like drunken freeloaders. Tom's presence is the new variable. 

But this party also occurs after Gatsby and Daisy have reunited. With Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby there, it might have been uncomfortable for Nick. At one point, Daisy does ask Nick to serve as somewhat of a lookout so she can be alone with Gatsby at least for a small bit of time.

If Tom had not been there, Nick would have felt more comfortable. Nick doesn't really approve of Gatsby's dealings with criminals (Wolfshiem) nor does he necessarily approve of cheating with another man's wife. But he does seem to prefer the union of Gatsby and Daisy to that of Tom and Daisy. Nick admires Gatsby's genuine romanticism. Nick does not care for Tom at all. So, it is mostly Tom's presence and the secret tension of this strange love triangle that makes Nick feel odd. 

It should also be noted that these parties have served as a means for Gatsby to attain a certain social position, one that is more on Daisy's level. After he has reunited with her, the party seems like more posturing. It is all part of an ongoing act. Perhaps by this point, Nick is even more acutely aware of the superficiality of it all. 

How much do our individual votes during a presidential election really count?

Our vote, the popular vote, is important during a presidential election. In our political system, each state has a certain number of electoral votes. The number of a state’s electoral votes equals the number of members the state has in both houses of Congress. When we vote for the President and the Vice President, we are voting for electors who will vote for a given candidate in the Electoral College. In most states, the candidate...

Our vote, the popular vote, is important during a presidential election. In our political system, each state has a certain number of electoral votes. The number of a state’s electoral votes equals the number of members the state has in both houses of Congress. When we vote for the President and the Vice President, we are voting for electors who will vote for a given candidate in the Electoral College. In most states, the candidate who wins the state’s popular vote gets that state’s entire electoral vote. In order to become President and Vice President, a candidate must get at least 270 electoral votes.

There are other reasons why our vote, the popular vote, is important. In almost every election, the candidate who won the vote in the Electoral College also won the popular vote. While there have been four times when the candidate who won the popular vote didn’t win the election, in the vast majority of elections, the result of the popular vote did determine the winner. Additionally, the percentage of the popular vote a candidate gets can determine if the candidate has a received a mandate from the people to lead the country.

The vote of the people is very important in the election for the President and the Vice President.

What is it like to be in the Crachit family in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens?

In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Bob Cratchit works for Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge makes Bob work long hours but pays him little. The Cratchits therefore, are very poor. They often do not have enough to eat, and they wear patched, hand me down clothing. Despite all this, they are a happy family, who love one another immensely. They always make the best of what they have. For example, during the visit of the Ghost...

In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Bob Cratchit works for Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge makes Bob work long hours but pays him little. The Cratchits therefore, are very poor. They often do not have enough to eat, and they wear patched, hand me down clothing. Despite all this, they are a happy family, who love one another immensely. They always make the best of what they have. For example, during the visit of the Ghost of Christmas Present, Scrooge is taken to the Cratchit household, where he sees the family bustling about to get ready for Christmas dinner. Everyone is excited, and everyone pitches in to make it a good evening. The children play a joke on their father, pretending that their oldest sister, Martha, isn't coming.  Martha, however, can't bear to see her father disappointed, so she quickly appears, and they all have a good laugh. The youngest of the six children, Tiny Tim, is ill and though he is a constant worry because the Cratchits cannot afford a doctor, everyone does his/her best to be positive and happy. Tiny Tim, himself, is positive and cheerful. This family is very grateful for all that they have.

What happened in chapter 24 of To Kill A Mockingbird?

In chapter 24, we read of the women's missionary gathering. More specifically, Grace Merriweather gives a report of the Mrunas, an African tribe.  She praises the efforts of the missionary, J. Grimes Evertt. 

Aunt Alexandra also wants Scout to the present.  She thinks that Scout can use some training to be a lady.  But as the chapter progresses, we see that meeting is filled with religious hypocrisy. For example, Mrs. Merriweather thinks that she is a...

In chapter 24, we read of the women's missionary gathering. More specifically, Grace Merriweather gives a report of the Mrunas, an African tribe.  She praises the efforts of the missionary, J. Grimes Evertt. 

Aunt Alexandra also wants Scout to the present.  She thinks that Scout can use some training to be a lady.  But as the chapter progresses, we see that meeting is filled with religious hypocrisy. For example, Mrs. Merriweather thinks that she is a kind and loving person, but she is a bigot who is blind. For example, she considers the people in Africa are barely human. Here is a quote:

Mrs. Merriweather’s large brown eyes always filled with tears when she considered the oppressed. “Living in that jungle with nobody but J. Grimes Everett,” she said. “Not a white person’ll go near ‘em but that saintly J. Grimes Everett.”

We also see hypocrisy in Maycomb's treatment of Tom Robinson. If the missionary society really cared about people, shouldn't they do something for the injustices in their own backyard?

Also towards the end of this chapter, we also read of the death of Tom Robinson. According to the prison, Tom tried to flee, and he was shot dead. 

Is Nevermore is the real name of the raven?

When the raven comes into the narrator's room in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," the man asks it what its name is, not expecting an answer. The raven croaks, "Nevermore." The narrator discounts the idea that this could be the bird's name. He asserts its "answer little meaning—little relevancy bore." The narrator is confident that no human being has ever been blessed with seeing a bird named Nevermore perched on a sculpture in his room....

When the raven comes into the narrator's room in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," the man asks it what its name is, not expecting an answer. The raven croaks, "Nevermore." The narrator discounts the idea that this could be the bird's name. He asserts its "answer little meaning—little relevancy bore." The narrator is confident that no human being has ever been blessed with seeing a bird named Nevermore perched on a sculpture in his room. However, this does not mean that no human being has ever before seen a raven elsewhere with the name of Nevermore. The man goes on to try to imagine how the bird learned its one word that was "its only stock and store." He believes the bird's master may have had so much ill fortune that he was always crying "Nevermore!" and the bird picked it up. However, it could be the case that its master named it Nevermore and called it by its name repeatedly until the bird learned to say the word. So, although the poem's narrator does not believe the bird is really named Nevermore, there is no way to know whether it is or isn't since we haven't been given the bird's backstory.

How is the signal man killed, and what made this death disturbing in Charles Dickens's story "The Signalman"?

Ironically and tragically both, the signal-man is killed in the same manner as the man in his frightening vision, making his vision a ghostly premonition. That his premonition has been about himself is very disturbing.

Certainly, there is a Gothic setting to this disturbing story in which there is a tunnel

“...in whose massive architecture there was a barbarous, depressing, and forbidding air....So little sunlight ever found its way to this spot, that it had...

Ironically and tragically both, the signal-man is killed in the same manner as the man in his frightening vision, making his vision a ghostly premonition. That his premonition has been about himself is very disturbing.

Certainly, there is a Gothic setting to this disturbing story in which there is a tunnel

“...in whose massive architecture there was a barbarous, depressing, and forbidding air....So little sunlight ever found its way to this spot, that it had an earthy, deadly smell; and so much cold wind rushed through it...

From living such an isolated life, the signal-man's ghostly tale seems to be merely the imaginings of a man who lacks human company. Nevertheless, he repeatedly hears the bell and sees a specter near the Danger light. Tragically, despite the signal-man's cautionary and painstaking actions, he is "cut down" by a train, and it is, in fact, he who becomes the apparition that he has repeatedly seen.

In the novel, Of Mice And Men, by John Steinbeck, who was Whitey, and why is George concerned about 'ants in Curley's pants'? Also, as it is...

Whitey used to be an extremely neat and meticulous blacksmith who occupied the bunk that George is about to take over. George is very sceptical about the yellow can he finds in the box shelf above his bed and questions Candy about it. Candy replies:

"Tell you what-" he said finally, "last guy that had this bed was a blacksmith - hell of a nice fella and as clean a guy as you want to meet. Used to wash his hands even after he ate."

George is not happy and wants to know why Whitey had to protect himself against lice since he had insecticide (the yellow can) in his box. Candy explains:

"This here blacksmith- name of Whitey- was the kind of guy that would put that stuff around even if there wasn't no bugs- just to make sure, see? Tell you what he used to do- At meals he'd peel his boil' potatoes, an' he'd take out ever' little spot, no matter what kind, before he'd eat it. And if there was a red splotch on an egg, he'd scrape it off. Finally quit about the food. That's the kinda guy he was- clean. Used ta dress up Sundays even when he wasn't going no place, put on a necktie even, and then set in the bunkhouse."

It is obvious that Whitey had been very particular about his food and the neatness of his living environment. When George enquires further, Candy tells him that he left the ranch because he was not happy about the food. He did not give any other reason for wanting to leave and just asked for his wages one night and then left. Candy believes that Whitey just wanted to move, a typical desire of so many of the migrant workers at that time.

The reference to 'ants in Curley's pants', stems from an incident when the rancher's son, Curley, came to the bunkhouse searching for his father. Curley saw George and Lennie and picked on Lennie, much to George's consternation. Once Curley had left, Candy explained that that was a habit of his. He always picked on big men, challenging them since he was a lightweight boxer.

Candy furthermore mentioned that Curley had just recently gotten married to a pretty wife who had 'the eye', which means that she was a flirt. George then made the remark about Curley having 'ants in his pants.' he means that Curley was jittery about his wife seeking attention from the ranch hands and was constantly on his guard. 

The following description of the bunkhouse is quite revealing: 

The bunkhouse was a long, rectangular building. Inside, the walls were whitewashed and the floor unpainted. In three walls there were small, square windows, and in the fourth, a solid door with a wooden latch. Against the walls were eight bunks, five of them made up with blankets and the other three showing their burlap ticking. Over each bunk there was nailed an apple box with the opening forward so that it made two shelves for the personal belongings of the occupant of the bunk. And these shelves were loaded with little articles, soap and talcum powder, razors and those Western magazines ranch men love to read and scoff at and secretly believe. And there were medicines on the shelves, and little vials, combs; and from nails on the box sides, a few neckties. Near one wall there was a black cast-iron stove, its stovepipe going straight up through the ceiling. In the middle of the room stood a big square table littered with playing cards, and around it were grouped boxes for the players to sit on.

At about ten o'clock in the morning the sun threw a bright dust-laden bar through one of the side windows, and in and out of the beam flies shot like rushing stars.

The bunkhouse provided the ranch hands shelter and a place to come to. As such it anchored them temporarily and served their basic need for shelter. In addition, it was a place where the men could share a light moment or two with each other after a hard day's labour. They could chat and play cards before resting their weary bodies. In this sense then, the bunkhouse could be defined as a 'good home' since it met the men's most basic requirements.

On the other hand, there were also some risks associated with the men living in such close quarters. Any illness or disease would spread quickly and the men could easily be infected. There is also a hint, with the reference to flies in the extract, that the bunkhouse was not all that neat and tidy. However, one cannot expect that such hard men as the ranch hands would spend time tidying up, unless of course, you were Whitey. The place must have been reasonably slovenly. This then, would have made it less than an ideal home.

Do you think Danforth believes John Proctor is trustworthy?

I think Danforth chooses to believe that John Proctor is untrustworthy because, if he believes that Proctor is telling the truth about Abigail and her lies, he would have to acknowledge that his intelligence and discernment as well as the court's authority have been completely undermined by a bunch of little girls.  

Danforth could easily justify his distrust of Proctor based on what he has seen so far: Proctor claimed to come to court...

I think Danforth chooses to believe that John Proctor is untrustworthy because, if he believes that Proctor is telling the truth about Abigail and her lies, he would have to acknowledge that his intelligence and discernment as well as the court's authority have been completely undermined by a bunch of little girls.  

Danforth could easily justify his distrust of Proctor based on what he has seen so far: Proctor claimed to come to court only to save his wife but when he learns that her pregnancy will keep her safe for a year, he still wants to protest; Proctor said that his wife could never lie and then, when her claims differ from his, he argues that she did lie to protect him; finally, he has arrived with a petition signed by almost one hundred villagers that testifies to his wife's (and others') good reputations -- a move that Danforth could interpret as indicative of Proctor's desire to incite a rebellion against the court.  

It is clear that Abigail is pulling his strings when she threatens him to "beware" because "the power of Hell" might turn his wits, too; after this, it is all too easy for Danforth to believe that Proctor is "the Devil's man," as Mary Warren calls him.  Moreover, holding on to this idea of Proctor permits Danforth to retain credibility and authority, a comfortable position for him.

What is the main problem in Fahrenheit 451?

In Fahrenheit 451, the main problem is a society that is distracted from the world's problems by mass media and forbidden from being freethinkers by prohibiting literature and reading for pleasure. 

From the beginning of the novel, the reader is constantly reminded of an impending war and the threat of nuclear annihilation. Early in the first chapter, the narrator describes Montag's fear of these jets that are omnipresent:

"The jet bombers going over, going...

In Fahrenheit 451, the main problem is a society that is distracted from the world's problems by mass media and forbidden from being freethinkers by prohibiting literature and reading for pleasure. 

From the beginning of the novel, the reader is constantly reminded of an impending war and the threat of nuclear annihilation. Early in the first chapter, the narrator describes Montag's fear of these jets that are omnipresent:

"The jet bombers going over, going over, going over, one two, one two, one two, six of them, nine of them, twelve of them, one and one and one and another and another and another, did all the screaming for him. He opened his own mouth and let their shriek come down and out between his bared teeth."

In addition, the narrator introduces the fact that nuclear war is a real possibility as the United States had "started and won two atomic wars since 2022!" Meanwhile, the threats of war pop up often in the book. While sleeping at the firehouse, Montag hears a radio saying, "war may start at any hour..."

However, from the actions of Mildred, Montag's wife, there seems to be no worry about war. Instead, her biggest concern is the installation of a "fourth wall" in their parlor that make it "just like this room wasn’t ours at all, but all kinds of exotic people’s rooms." Mildred spends nearly all her hours in that room watching the televisor and talking to her "family." 

In addition, as Clarisse points out in the book's first few pages, no one notices anything anymore. Instead of looking at the moon or dew on the grass, people are too busy driving in their jet cars to see anything, she says. This inability to look at the world keeps the citizens from paying attention to what is actually happening. The threat of nuclear annihilation was real, but no one seemed to notice. 

Who is the 3rd person present at the scene? Why is he reluctant to agree to Shylock's terms?

I think that the scene in question is scene 3 from act 1.  The three men present are Shylock, Antonio, and Bassanio.  Bassanio is the third man present. 

Bassanio needs money to woo Portia.  He asks Antonio to give him a loan, which Antonio is willing to do but unable.  All of his assets are currently tied up in a shipping expedition.  Bassanio goes to Shylock for the loan, but Shylock is unwilling to give...

I think that the scene in question is scene 3 from act 1.  The three men present are Shylock, Antonio, and Bassanio.  Bassanio is the third man present. 

Bassanio needs money to woo Portia.  He asks Antonio to give him a loan, which Antonio is willing to do but unable.  All of his assets are currently tied up in a shipping expedition.  Bassanio goes to Shylock for the loan, but Shylock is unwilling to give the loan unless Antonio co-signs.  Normally, Shylock charges interest, but this time he is willing to forego that stipulation . . . for a catch.  The catch is that if Antonio can not pay back the money, Shylock gets to take a pound of Antonio's flesh.  

Bassanio, despite his deep desire to woo Portia with the money, is not willing to risk Antonio's safety to Shylock.  Bassanio tells Antonio to not go through with the deal.  

You shall not seal to such a bond for me:
I'll rather dwell in my necessity.

Shylock is known for his greed and all around nastiness.  Bassanio doesn't want to risk Antonio's safety by making a weird deal with Shylock. 

What are three things that happen to Max and Kevin in eighth grade?

I have to admit, many of the adventures of Max and Kevin (who together make "Freak the Mighty") happen during the summer before their eighth grade year.  After reading half of the book, the reader finally comes to the boys' eighth grade school year. There are some significant events that happen during school as well.  

The first thing that happens (on the first day of eighth grade, no less) is that Max and Kevin...

I have to admit, many of the adventures of Max and Kevin (who together make "Freak the Mighty") happen during the summer before their eighth grade year.  After reading half of the book, the reader finally comes to the boys' eighth grade school year. There are some significant events that happen during school as well.  

The first thing that happens (on the first day of eighth grade, no less) is that Max and Kevin proclaim their name to their classmates:  "Freak the Mighty."  Max is asked to get up in front of the class to talk about his summer.  When Max has a hard time with this and the kids tease him, Kevin stands on his desk and demands order.  Kevin then climbs on Max's back again and raises his fist in the air shouting their name: "Freak the Mighty."  All of the students join in the chant.  This validates both Kevin and Max.

Two other important events require less of an explanation, but are just as important to the story.  Max learns that his father, Kenny "Killer" Kane, is going to get out of jail on parole.  This scares Max so much that he goes into hysterics in the principal's office.  Likewise, Kevin has his own seizure when he is in the lunchroom eating "American chop suey."

In conclusion, there are plenty of events in these chapters that have nothing to do with school.  Probably the most important are Kane's release from prison and his visit to Loretta and Iggy Lee, which trigger many more unfortunate events for Max.

In "Everyday Use" how much truth is in Dee's accusation that her mother and sister don't understand their heritage?

There is some truth in Dee's accusation, but not as much as she believes. "Everyday Use" is an excellent study in family dynamics. Dee has gone to live in the 'big city' and is much more aware of what is going on in the outside world than her mother and sister are. Both Dee's mother and sister value their heritage, but their views are colored by the experiences that they have had, as opposed to...

There is some truth in Dee's accusation, but not as much as she believes. "Everyday Use" is an excellent study in family dynamics. Dee has gone to live in the 'big city' and is much more aware of what is going on in the outside world than her mother and sister are. Both Dee's mother and sister value their heritage, but their views are colored by the experiences that they have had, as opposed to the material value that an outsider would place on those items. 

The quilts are a perfect example of this. Dee has recently decided that she wants the quilts, items that she once rejected as being old fashioned. Dee wants them because of the value that society places upon them, that of a material sort. That's the type of "heritage" that Dee has become an expert on. Dee's sister, Maggie, wants the quilts because of the memories that she associates with them. She values her heritage in a much deeper way than Dee does because she connects emotionally and genuinely with her family and ancestry. 

Mama, the narrator throughout the story, realizes this and tips off the reader in subtle and not-quite-so-subtle ways throughout the text. Dee's consistently described as smug, an outsider, and abrasive. Quite frankly, she's really dislikable. These qualities serve as a way to highlight to the reader how little Dee really does value her heritage; it's simply another superficial thing to her, something that will change if it falls out of style. 

In To Kill A Mockingbird, what is the key turning point or climax in the plot?

Every good story has a strong climax which gets the reader's heart racing and fulfills the the promises and expectations of the rising action. Because To Kill a Mockingbird uses nonlinear plot through flashback storytelling, it has two key and equally important turning points: the outcome of Tom Robinson's trial and the face-to-face encounter with the elusive Boo Radley.

One of the main storylines in To Kill a Mockingbird is Atticus's client Tom Robinson's trial. Tom has been accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman. Because of the setting, a trial seems pointless. Alabama in the 1930's was segregated, and society would never accept a black man's word over that of a white woman. However, the reader sees a glimmer of hope due to Attcus's strong defense and the obvious evidence pointing to Tom's innocence. The reader and main characters all expect the end result to be an acquittal. At one point Jem says to his sister, "We got him," referring to the obvious guilt of the Ewells and Tom's innocence. Jem is very emotional during the trial, and "his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail," which helps the reader feel the intensity of the moments leading up to the climax: "Guilty...guilty...guilty...guilty." The reader doubly feels the effect of the climax when Scout describes Jem's reaction as "his shoulders jerk(ing) as if each “guilty” was a separate stab between them."

Another equally important plot line in To Kill a Mockingbird is the children's fascination with Boo Radley which finally climaxes with Boo rescuing the siblings and Scout finally getting to see his face. Throughout the novel, Scout, Jem, and Dill devise ways to see the elusive Boo, but nothing ever pans out. Equally as frustrating, their ghostlike neighbor makes himself a part of their lives, but never appears to them. From the mending of Jem's pants to the blanket on Scout's shoulders during the burning of Miss Maudie's house, the children and the reader narrowly fail to catch a glimpse of the benevolent neighbor. It isn't until the end of the novel after the children experience their "longest journey together" that Scout is lucky enough to finally see her rescuer, and during this climactic scene. She "gazed at him in wonder", and "the fear slowly drained from his face." Scout then tearfully utters the iconic words, "Hey, Boo."

Because of the multiple fascinating plot lines in To Kill a Mockingbird, the reader is lucky enough to experience two exciting climaxes, making this novel one of the most beloved books in American literature.

In the Crucible, who were the girls dancing in the woods for?

In the woods, the girls were conjuring up spirits under the leadership of Tituba. The girls danced nude according to a statement made by Parris, who stumbled on their activities in the forest. According to Mrs. Putnam, she had asked her daughter to participate in the dance so she could obtain information from her siblings’ dead spirits. She was aware of Tituba’s ability to conjure the spirits and believed that the dead spirits would offer...

In the woods, the girls were conjuring up spirits under the leadership of Tituba. The girls danced nude according to a statement made by Parris, who stumbled on their activities in the forest. According to Mrs. Putnam, she had asked her daughter to participate in the dance so she could obtain information from her siblings’ dead spirits. She was aware of Tituba’s ability to conjure the spirits and believed that the dead spirits would offer insights into the murder of her children. Basically, the dance was part of the conjuring process and was conducted to invite the dead spirits.

Parris, to Abigail: Then you were conjuring spirits last night.

Abigail, whispering: Not I, sir - Tituba and Ruth.

Parris: Why, sir - I discovered her - indicating Abigail - and my niece and ten or twelve of the other girls, dancing in the forest last night.

Hale, surprised: You permit dancing?

Parris: No, no, it were secret -

Mrs. Putnam, unable to wait: Mr. Parris.’s slave has knowledge of conjurin.’, sir.

Parris, to Mrs. Putnam: We cannot be sure of that, Goody Ann -

Mrs. Putnam, frightened, very softly: I know it, sir. I sent my child - she should learn from Tituba who murdered her sisters.

It was only after they were discovered by Parris, that the girls falsely implicated innocent members of the Salem community. They did this to escape punishment associated with their activities in the forest. Abigail accused Tituba, who was forced to make false accusations against Mrs. Sarah Good and Mrs. Osburn, marking the onset of the witch-trials in Salem.

What does the king think about the system in "The Lady or the Tiger" by Frank Stockton?

The king in "The Lady or the Tiger" by Frank Stockton thinks that his system of justice is absolutely just and right. Though the king had taken the idea of using a public arena from neighboring countries, his arena was quite different from anyone else's, and he took great pride in that. 

"This vast amphitheater, with its encircling galleries, its mysterious vaults, and its unseen passages, was an agent of poetic justice, in which crime...

The king in "The Lady or the Tiger" by Frank Stockton thinks that his system of justice is absolutely just and right. Though the king had taken the idea of using a public arena from neighboring countries, his arena was quite different from anyone else's, and he took great pride in that. 

"This vast amphitheater, with its encircling galleries, its mysterious vaults, and its unseen passages, was an agent of poetic justice, in which crime was punished, or virtue rewarded, by the decrees of an impartial and incorruptible chance" (Stockton 2). 

This king, after all, allowed the accused people to choose a door and in doing so, they sealed their own fate. If they chose the door with a tiger behind it, they were immediately devoured, establishing--at least in the king's mind--their guilt. If they, instead, chose the door with the lady behind, they were obviously innocent, and a marriage celebration was held--whether the accused or the lady wanted one. 

"This was the king's semi-barbaric method of administering justice. Its perfect fairness is obvious" (Stockton 4).

The king was very pleased with himself for coming up with this system of course!

Hot sand heats the air. How does this cause a convection current to form?

A cycle in which a substance rises as it is heated and sinks as it cools is called a “convection current”.

Compared to many other objects, sand has a relatively low specific heat. Specific heat is defined as the amount of heat required to increase 1.0 grams of a substance 1.0 degrees Celsius. Having a low specific heat implied that the substance heats up quickly.

Heat is a form of energy. Some of the heat from the...

A cycle in which a substance rises as it is heated and sinks as it cools is called a “convection current”.

Compared to many other objects, sand has a relatively low specific heat. Specific heat is defined as the amount of heat required to increase 1.0 grams of a substance 1.0 degrees Celsius. Having a low specific heat implied that the substance heats up quickly.

Heat is a form of energy. Some of the heat from the sand will be lost to the air around it. Thus, the sand will heat the air above it.

As the air is heated, it particles gain kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of movement. Thus, as the air is heated, its particles begin to move faster. As the particles move faster, they move apart. This causes the volume of the air’s particles to increase and the air’s density to decrease. As the air’s density decreases, the air moves upward in the troposphere.

However, the temperature decreases as one moves up the troposphere. Temperature is a measurement of the amount of kinetic energy in a substance. Thus, the as the temperature of the air decreases, so does the kinetic energy within its particles. Thus, within cold upper troposphere, the air particles begin to slow down. As the particles slow down, they contract closer to one another. Thus, the air’s density increases and it begins to sink.

This cycle continues as the cold air once again approaches the hot sand, becomes warm, rises into the troposphere, becomes cool, and sinks. A cycle in which a substance rises as it is heated and sinks as it cools is called a “convection current”.

List at least five horrifying details of the setting in "The Pit and the Pendulum." Which detail did you find most effective in evoking horror? Why?

I find the entirety of the setting of The Pit and the Pendulum to be rather horrifying, but five of the more horrifying details, in my own opinion, are in no particular order:

• The utter blackness of the cell at the beginning


• The gaping pit in the floor


• The pendulum hanging from the ceiling


• The rats


• The glowing demon eyes of the paintings once they changed

Of these five, I find it difficult to choose...

I find the entirety of the setting of The Pit and the Pendulum to be rather horrifying, but five of the more horrifying details, in my own opinion, are in no particular order:

• The utter blackness of the cell at the beginning


• The gaping pit in the floor


• The pendulum hanging from the ceiling


• The rats


• The glowing demon eyes of the paintings once they changed

Of these five, I find it difficult to choose which of two is the most horrifying: the darkness and the pendulum. The pitch blackness of the cell has two layers of fear; not only do you have the fear of darkness, you have the fear of the unknown, too, because you have no idea what is with you in the darkness.
The pendulum is also frightening because you can see the sharp blade descending towards you slowly, and you know you have the time to escape; but being tied down while watching it descend, knowing that you cannot stop its swinging would be terrifying. Those two are the most frightening for me, but maybe the darkness has just a small edge on the pendulum.

What are examples of uneducated public and the fear of external enemies in Animal Farm by George Orwell?

The pigs learned to read by themselves.  Therefore, when it comes to education, they were at the top.  The other animals did not care about education.  The dogs learned to read, but they did not think reading was important. Benjamin could read, but he also did not care. The other animals never learned to read.  Here is a quote that explains the situation.

Clover learnt the whole alphabet, but could not put words together. Boxer...

The pigs learned to read by themselves.  Therefore, when it comes to education, they were at the top.  The other animals did not care about education.  The dogs learned to read, but they did not think reading was important. Benjamin could read, but he also did not care. The other animals never learned to read.  Here is a quote that explains the situation.

Clover learnt the whole alphabet, but could not put words together. Boxer could not get beyond the letter D. He would trace out A, B, C, D, in the dust with his great hoof, and then would stand staring at the letters with his ears back, sometimes shaking his forelock, trying with all his might to remember what came next and never succeeding.

Based on these words, we can say that public education was low.  The implication of this is that the animals could be swayed in various ways, because they could not see outside the matrix that the pigs created. 

The other corollary to the lack of education is fear.  The pigs were able to control the animals with the fear of Mr. Jones coming back. In one context, the pigs took the milk and apples for themselves. When it was discovered that they did this, they justified it by saying that they needed these for their brains.  The alternative would be the pigs failing in their jobs. If this happened, Jones would come back. Here is what Squealer says:

It is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples. Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come back! Yes, Jones would come back! Surely, comrades,’ cried Squealer almost pleadingly, skipping from side to side and whisking his tail, ‘surely there is no one among you who wants to see Jones come back?’

In short, fear was a powerful tool in the hands of the pigs. 

What images does she use to describe "The Fish"? Elizabeth Bishop relies on precise imagery in this poem, not only to describe the fish, but to...

Elizabeth Bishop's poetry is descriptive, and in "The Fish" the speaker paints with images. The imagery that describes the fish and the speaker's reactions is mostly visual.

These images are reflective not only of nature, but of the self-referential element of art. For instance, the skin of the captured fish looks to the speaker like peeling "ancient wallpaper"; on the fish's side, there seem to be shapes resembling "full-blown roses" with petals that have become...

Elizabeth Bishop's poetry is descriptive, and in "The Fish" the speaker paints with images. The imagery that describes the fish and the speaker's reactions is mostly visual.

These images are reflective not only of nature, but of the self-referential element of art. For instance, the skin of the captured fish looks to the speaker like peeling "ancient wallpaper"; on the fish's side, there seem to be shapes resembling "full-blown roses" with petals that have become stained while some have fallen off. This old fish has barnacles on him that appear as rosettes with "tiny white sea-lice" while green weeds that look like rags hang from him.

At the end of the poem, the images are conjoined in the visual imagery of a rainbow when the self-referential speaker envisions "victory" filling up the boat because of her catch (the spilled motor oil and water) along with the fish's victory over other fisherman evinced by the hooks in his lip. Seeing these images of a rainbow on the sides of the old victorious fish as well as in the boat, the speaker sympathetically releases him:

...everything
was rainbow, rainbow, rainbow! 
And I let the fish go.

What meaning does the title "Everyday Use" have in connection with the story's events? a. Quilts should be hung to look pretty b. Things made to...

In the story, the phrase “everyday use” originates from Dee, who criticized her sister because in her opinion, the sister did not perceive the true value of the quilts and would instead destroy them by using them for their intended purpose. Dee’s plan for the quilts was to preserve them as cultural symbols, by only displaying the quilts instead of destroying them by putting the items to use. In this regard the closest answer is ...

In the story, the phrase “everyday use” originates from Dee, who criticized her sister because in her opinion, the sister did not perceive the true value of the quilts and would instead destroy them by using them for their intended purpose. Dee’s plan for the quilts was to preserve them as cultural symbols, by only displaying the quilts instead of destroying them by putting the items to use. In this regard the closest answer is D using things every single day wears them out. The answer captures the context of Dee’s criticism of her sister’s “backward lifestyle.” Dee suggested that by using the quilts their true value would be lost because they would be destroyed.

“Maggie can’t appreciate these quilts!” she says, “She’d probably be backward enough to put them to everyday use.”

Dee arrived back home a changed woman, she was dressed in an African attire and changed her name to fit her African roots. She intended to take a quilt woven by her grandmother but bequeathed to her sister, Maggie. Her Mother, Mrs. Johnson, declined her request, to which Dee responded that her sister would put the quilts to “Everyday use” insinuating that her sister did not know the value of the quilts and so would end up destroying them.

Explain how vertebrates are classified into further subgroups. |

Vertebrates are members of the phylum Chordata. Therefore, vertibrates are sometimes called chordates. All chordates contain a spinal cord. One way that scientists classify different subgroups of vertebrates is based on how organisms obtain oxygen. Vertebrates breathe either through their skin, gills, or lungs. Being endothermic or exothermic is another classifier of vertebrate subgroups. Endothermic vertebrates are warm-blooded, while exothermic vertebrates are cold-blooded. The third classifier used to subcategorize vertebrates is reproduction. Some vertebrates reproduce internally, while others reproduce externally. Some vertebrates are oviparous, which means they lay eggs. Others are viviparous, which means they give birth to live young. Vertebrate subgroups include jawless fish, cartilaginous fish, bony fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. A brief explanation is each vertebrate subgroup is provided below.

Jawless fish

Jawless fish belong to the class Agnatha. They do not have jaws, have slender bodies, and have a skeleton that is made of cartilage. Hagfish and lamprey are examples of jawless fish.

Cartilaginous fish

Cartilaginous fish also have a skeleton that is made of cartilage. However, cartilaginous fish do have jaws. Examples include sharks and rays.

Bony fish

Bony fish are fish that have calcified and bony skeletons. Most modern fish are bony fish. Examples of bony fish include pike, trout, bass, and salmon.

Amphibians

Amphibians are cold-blooded chordates that undergo metamorphosis. Amphibians usually transition from a gill-breathing larval stage into a primarily terrestrial adulthood. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are examples of amphibians.

Reptiles

Reptiles are also cold-blooded. The skin of a reptile is dry and scaly. Reptiles lay eggs on land. Snakes, crocodiles, and tortoises are examples of reptiles.

Birds

Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates that have feathers, beaks, and wings. Most birds can fly. Examples of birds are penguins, flamingos, robins, and goldfinches.

Mammals

Mammals are warm-blooded vertebrates that have fur. Offspring of mammals are reproduced internally within the placenta. Mammals have mammary glands from which they feed their offspring milk. Examples of mammals are dogs, cats, rabbits, and humans.

In Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 why/how would a person be silenced for controversial beliefs?

Within Bradbury's dystopian society, the greatest crime is to read books that have substantial ideas in them. The people can look at picture books, but those do not give people complex ideas. The government wants to control people from having debatable ideas so everyone can live a free, distracted, and fun-filled life. Most people obey this law to the point that friends, neighbors, and even family can call the authorities on anyone who has books...

Within Bradbury's dystopian society, the greatest crime is to read books that have substantial ideas in them. The people can look at picture books, but those do not give people complex ideas. The government wants to control people from having debatable ideas so everyone can live a free, distracted, and fun-filled life. Most people obey this law to the point that friends, neighbors, and even family can call the authorities on anyone who has books and report them. Once an alarm has been sent out to the police and the firemen, the police show up first to arrest the person and the firemen burn the offender's home along with all of the books. The process is explained further as follows:

"The police went first and adhesive-taped the victim's mouth and bandaged him off into their glittering beetle cars, so when you arrived (firemen) you found an empty house. You weren't hurting anyone, you were hurting only things! And since things really couldn't be hurt, since things felt nothing, and things don't scream or whimper, . . . you were simply cleaning up. Janitorial work, essentially. . . Quick with the kerosene! Who's got a match!" (36-37).

Now, if the offender runs from the police rather than being arrested, the firemen have a Mechanical Hound that is given the person's biological and chemical scent. The technology of the hound cannot be surpassed. It can find anyone from any point in the city. Once it snags the person, the following happens:

". . . a four-inch hollow steel needle plunge[s] down from the proboscis of the Hound to inject massive jolts of morphine or procaine" (25).

Hence, offenders can either be arrested without incident as their home is being destroyed by fire (along with the books), or run and have the Mechanical Hound sent after them and suffer death by injection.